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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

A Few Bookish Announcements

Well, my book release is just a few short weeks away, readers! I'm busy prepping for the September 1st publication date, and I have a few fun details to share with you.

I'm partnering with Pets Alive, the animal shelter where we adopted our beloved Rosie, to organize a drive to help them. You see, they need some sewn items (bedding and "adopt me" bandanas) and what better way to celebrate the book than by helping an organization near and dear to my heart? Starting next Monday, I will be posting tutorials here on how to sew the things they need. I hope you will join in and help out! I will be posting more details on how to participate along with the tutorials.

Next! I'm having a book release party in New York City at The Sewing Studio on September 15th, and I'll be posting an invitation announcement here. I do hope that you will join me for snacks, cocktails, a book signing, and some sewing fun. Tickets will be able to be purchased for a suggested donation amount, the entirety of which will go to Pets Alive. My friends Coats & Clark, Kollabora, and The Sewing Studio are generously hosting! If you think you may be able to make it, please save the date (and start planning your frock now!).

Lastly, if you've made it through this post, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The book would not exist without your support and enthusiasm for my work. It's so wonderful being able to share all this with you, my dear readers.

I wish I could be there!!! I'm celebrating with you in spirit & counting down the days til I get my pre-order... hope I don't have to wait too long in Canada! lol Love the idea of helping Pets Alive - no worthier cause, IMO :)

i can't wait for your book - i think we get it a few days later in the UK but i have it on amazon preorder! hope the launch and party go really well - great that you are able to give back to a charity so close to your heart!

Great so excited for you! I preordered my book can't wait to get it! My ASG group sew dog pillows using our scrap fabric as stuffing for the local animal hospital so I'd love to sew up a few things for you.

Living in the UK I won't be there in person, but I will be there in spirit. I have my book pre-ordered on Amazon and can't wait for it to arrive - it will be a wonderful birthday present to myself as my birthday is 2nd Sept.

i can't believe the release of your book is right around the corner. like so many of your readers, i have been waiting anxiously. just when i thought you couldn't be more fabulous, you partner with a shelter. thank you for using your talent and platform to help out these animals in transition. xo.

My daughter and I will love to make things for the animal shelter! I've crocheted blankets for a local shelter several times and can use this opportunity to work on my sewing skills for the book. Although I won't look as gorgeous as you do I can't wait to sew up an outfit!

I'll second the comment that it's a lovely photo of you and Rosie. Your matching frocks are beautiful and I love your expression. It reminds me of one of the gorgeous vintage pattern envelope drawings. Can't wait for your book!

So excited for you, and what a year you've had! Can't quite wangle a trip to the States at the moment, but I will have a glass of something fabulous for you on the 15th! Come on Amazon UK, don't keep us waiting too long.

Damn, Gertie. You are gorgeous, inside and out! What a great photo, and a great cause! I'm sorry I won't be attending your party, because I will be busy pouring through your book as soon as it arrives on my doorstep! All kidding aside, can't wait to help out Pets Alive! Bring on the projects! Woo!

Every time I go to my Amazon account I see your book waiting there, and I get sooo excited! I'm glad the date is almost here!Yaay for you for supporting the animals and their rescuers. Isn't it amazing and wonderful how the animals become such a huge part of everything we do? We also have a group here in Phoenix - Quilted Critters - that makes blankets and quilts for animals in shelters and foster care.

I'd love to sew something to help the puppies and kitties, so I hope there is something small enough on the list for me to sew and mail from Australia... and unfortunately I won't be able to make the book party, its just a little too far to fly :) but all the best! I've been putting of buying my pre-order copy until it was closer to the release date, and I think its close enough now, so off to buy my copy!

I am also from Australia so will not be able to make the launch party, looking forward to sewing EVERYTHING. You have worked so hard for this may it be a wonderful exciting time, and well done for passing some of your joy onto a charity that looks after those who cannot ask for help. Go Gertie Go!!!

It looks like the Southern Hemisphere is well represented! Another New Zealand fan here. You are such an inspiration! How wonderful supporting the animals. I had a project going with my students (I teach teenagers with intellectual disabilities) and teacher assistants making knitted and sewn blankets for our local animal welfare centre (SPCA). I love the "adopt me" idea! I must get everyone busy again as I guess it doesn't matter where, we can still make a difference. I'd love to come to the launch party, but I'll have to have a wee party of my own when your book arrives in my mail box. XXX

Congratulations! Very happy and excited for you. I have every intention of attending your event. Really looking forward to meeting you and other lovely sewing blogoddesses, and I'd be happy to contribute to your cause. This is all so wonderful. All the very best to you.

Hoping you get a good crowd at your booklaunch, I'm too far away to come (France).)And a lovely idea to link with dog-rescue.For anyone sewing items for dogs, in my experience, the circular padded beds(washable) are best.I think you made one for your cat.

I have a question about your book. :) I learned a few things about sewing many, many years ago in Home Ec and have never had any other instruction. Since the birth of my daughter, I have sewed a few simple things, but I would like to make more clothes for myself. I think your book sounds very interesting, but frankly, I'm afraid of being out of my depth. Can a beginning seamstress navigate its pages and projects or would it be better to start with another oeuvre? (I bought Stitch Magic because of you, and while I haven't had the opportunity to use it yet, I know I'll be able to recreate the projects/looks therein.)

I'd take classes, but I'm moving oversees in 2 months and so far my online searches for them in my new place of residence haven't turned up anything...

Yet another reason to wish I could get to The Big Apple! I'll have to "make do" with ordering your book shortly & to sewing something up for my local SPCA in your honour. All my kitties come from there. Thanks for everything you share with us Gertie!

Congratulations to you both on the book and your amazing collaboration with the doggies..........we are with you all the way on both fronts......We have had many kitties over the years from sanctuaries.

Amazon just informed me my book will be at my house....tomorrow, August 23! I have a terrible Dr's appt early in the morning and I'm so glad I have something exciting to look forward to while I'm being tortured :) Thanks, Gertie!

Hi Gretchen! I sent you a message on Facebook asking where I could pre-order your book and then DUH, it occured to me to come to your blog. I don't believe in Amazon and ordered directly from the publisher, so hopefully it will be here soon! I'm totally making new dresses for Houston! It was great meeting you, and maybe I'll see you around Cleveland again! Congrats on the book, everyone I know is excited for it. I'm babbling now. I'm quitting now. :)

Congratulations! I can't think of a more deserving person :-) I love your blog, and loved you craftsy course, honestly, you have such a natural charm. Despite my book buying ban, I made an exception for yours! Sitting here beside my own rescue dog and cat, wishing you all the success and happiness in the world! Amanda

After my appointments Saturday, I am rushing home and hopefully the postal person will leave your book at my door, as Amazon sent a text that it will be delivered tomorrow! I will have the weekend to look at it--perfect! I know it will be a hit, as will your release party next month. Bless the rescues and thanks for caring.

I'll be there in spirit! How do I make a donation on your behalf if I cannot attend? I pre-ordered your book the second you announced it, and I have gobbled up every page. I cannot WAIT to make myself something!